Standing stairlifts are suitable for people who find sitting difficult or painful but can stand safely for short periods.
They are designed to support users in a standing or semi-standing position using a perch seat, armrests, and safety features, rather than a full chair.
This guide explains who standing stairlifts are best suited for and who they’re not.
Key Takeaways
- Standing stairlifts suit people who struggle to sit or bend
- Ideal for knee, hip, or joint problems
- Often a good option for narrow staircases
- Require good balance and leg strength
- A professional assessment is essential
1. People With Knee or Hip Problems
Standing stairlifts are often chosen by people who:
- Have arthritis in the knees or hips
- Experience pain when bending or sitting
- Struggle to stand up from a seated position
The perch seat allows users to lean rather than sit fully, reducing joint strain.
2. Users Who Can Stand but Not Sit Comfortably
Standing stairlifts are suitable if the user:
- Can stand steadily for short periods
- Feels uncomfortable or restricted in a seated stairlift
- Prefers an upright or semi-upright position
They are not designed for users who cannot stand at all.
3. People Living in Homes With Narrow Stairs
Standing stairlifts:
- Have a smaller footprint than seated models
- Fold away compactly
- Often fit where seated stairlifts are too wide
They are commonly recommended for narrow staircases, including terraced houses.
4. Users With Good Balance and Upper-Body Control
To use a standing stairlift safely, the user must:
- Maintain balance while standing
- Hold onto armrests or support rails
- Feel confident during movement
Users with balance issues may be better suited to seated models.
5. People Who Want a Space-Saving Solution
Standing stairlifts are suitable for households that:
- Need to keep stairs accessible for others
- Have limited landing space
- Want minimal obstruction when the lift is folded
Their compact design makes them a practical choice in shared homes.
6. Users With Temporary or Specific Mobility Needs
Standing stairlifts may suit people:
- Recovering from surgery
- With temporary joint stiffness
- Who expect mobility to improve
They provide support without committing to a full seated stairlift.
Who Are Standing Stairlifts Not Suitable For?
Standing stairlifts are usually not suitable if:
- The user cannot stand safely
- Balance is poor
- Fatigue occurs quickly
- The user requires full body support
In these cases, a seated stairlift or alternative solution is safer.
How Is Suitability Confirmed?
A professional stairlift assessment considers:
- The user’s balance and strength
- Ability to stand for the journey duration
- Staircase width and layout
- Safety at landings
This ensures the stairlift improves mobility without increasing risk.
Final Verdict: Who Are Standing Stairlifts Suitable For?
Standing stairlifts are best suited to people who can stand safely but find sitting difficult or painful.
They are particularly useful for narrow staircases and for users with knee or hip problems, provided balance and stability are good.
A professional assessment is essential to confirm suitability.
